Korean Job Discussion Forums

[akoura]

After researching lots of TEFL options, it looks like all arrows are pointing towards Korea at this point. I'm working on the details and saving up money for the transition and other expenses. I've read that folks are able to save money, roughly $12,000 a year, and do pretty well for themselves, with an estimated income of 1.8 - 2.5 million KRW.

In order to firm up my plans to move across the world, I'd like to get a clearer idea of a monthly budget. I've seen lots of general estimates of monthly income and how much a Big Mac costs, but not a lot of details on the typical month to month living expenses.

Is anyone willing to share an estimated break down? For example: average utilities, average food, cell phone, transportation (assuming that you don't have a vehicle), average expenses for essentials like toiletries, paper goods, etc. Thanks!

[Charlie Bourque]

[newb]

It all depends on YOU.

[ttompatz]

[Benjamino]

I saved a fair bit till court fines and a winter trip to Thailand blew it all. I think I peaked at 5 mill which was good going for somebody not known to be frugal.

On average I was spending about 600K inc bills a month and I lived well but I rarely go out and drink these days or do much travelling.

January through Feb I've spent less than 300K as I have been budgeting knowing that I'm heading off somewhere else.

If you are determined to save and are a boring old fart living in a small town then you'll be laughing all the way to the bank.

In all truthfulness I've gone the opposite way and become too introverted here in Korea.

[Lazio]

[ttompatz]

[kardisa]

My boyfriend and I spend about 900,000 won a month between the two of us:

Transportation (fuel for a Matiz) - 60,000
Food (Paleo diet) - 500,000
Satellite TV - 30,000
Cable Internet - 20,000
Smart phones x2 - 140,000
Entertainment (beer, eating out, etc.) - 150,000

We live in a small town and don't go out too often, so we've managed to save almost $30,000 in the past year. YMMV, especially if you like foreign beer or have expensive hobbies.

Edit: I should mention that we live on a military base and therefore don't have to pay for gas/water/electricity. At my last place, this was an additional 50,000 to 150,000 a month.

[Cacille]

I spend only roughly 450,000 a month - just me and my two small birds (and their food is roughly $10 a month).
That's 80,000 phone
50,000 elec during winter, cheaper in summer
26000 internet
80000 gas per month, averaged.
250000 food and other random expenses
Transportation costs me nothing personally cause I walk to school right next door. I do have a bike and that was a one time cost of 175000.
I live rural, so living in a city is more expensive. 450,000 is near to the minimum necessary for living I think, although some might be able to spend a little less.

[akoura]

A big thanks to you all for posting mostly helpful responses! I really appreciate your time and effort. Sorry for the delay. I've been without power for a few days from the blizzard that hit us recently here in the Northeast.

Moving across the world is obviously a fairly complex decision and finances are a big part of it. It sounds like it can be quite lucrative, if one doesn't drink the profit away Thanks again!